Foreign Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong - Research Paper Example

In addition to this restriction, densely populated areas are hub for vector and highly contagious diseases to spread rapidly in the case of an outbreak (Yeoh, 2000). The population of the City, therefore, should be regulated to ensure the safety of its residents. Secondly, most of the foreign workers face discrimination not only from the Hong Kong government, but also from their employers (Cheng, 2000).

Infringement of Individual rights is common, and the violators go scot-free without facing legal actions. The above infringement is in relation to the recent outcry by a certain human right groups that have collected 103,307 signatures from over 160 countries. The outcry is in the bid to push the Hong Kong government to take actions in resolving foreign domestic workers abuse. Risk social theory advocates proactive measures such as prevention before the real disaster strikes (Anderson, 2004).

In view of the fact that discrimination is evident for domestic, foreign helpers working on contract, the risk of further discrimination if they attain permanent residence is high. In addition to discrimination, the periodical protest by foreign domestic helpers and activist are justification that the government of Hong Kong is doing little to protect the foreign helpers. A time limit of two weeks issued by the Government after the contract expiry is inadequate.The other viewpoint is in line with the recent crime rates in Hong Kong.

Within the city are morally unacceptable activities of drug trafficking, illegal gambling and racketeering (Constable, 2006). In view of peer influence and pressures, most of the foreign domestic workers, if guaranteed permanent residence, are likely to get involved in the above crimes. The above is due to the better payments that come along with the crimes. Under the theory of deviance, the above crimes violate social norms, and unacceptable to the majority of the society. The likelihood of domestic, foreign workers involvement in crime stands high with greater calculated risk of in the end.

The above sentiment is based on the opinions that the helper’s living standards and conditions are strenuous (Anderson, 2004). In addition, with the employer hostility, these sentiments are driving factors that are likely to trigger the helpers thinking to make easier money. The number of deviants in Hong Kong is on the rise, and that is not a good precedence for foreign domestic workers. Inadequate legislation and policies to curb deviance are available thus, permanent residency by foreign helpers may lead to the worse moral decay (Cheng, 2000).